“I hope [this story] helps people appreciate where they came from and who they are and being proud of that . . . Adults also feel, ‘I can be proud of my origins. I can be proud of who I am and what I have to give to the world.’” –Gloria Amescua
Listen in as Gloria talks about a story finding you long before it’s time to write a story, the desire we have to be affirmed in our experiences, the radical possibility of building book clubs around picture books, and, of course, so much more!
Today’s Picture Book: Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Gloria Amescua is an author, poet and educator. Her picture book biography, CHILD OF THE FLOWER-SONG PEOPLE: LUZ JIMÉNEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE NAHUA (illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh) was awarded a Pura Belpré Author Honor. It also was a co-winner of the Américas Award and ILA Alma Flor Ada winner. It was a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, ALA Notable Books and various Best of Nonfiction/Informative lists 2021/2022 and a SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist.
Book Description: As a young Nahua girl in Mexico during the early 1900s, Luz learned how to grind corn in a metate, to twist yarn with her toes, and to weave on a loom. By the fire at night, she listened to stories of her community's joys, suffering, and survival, and wove them into her heart.
But when the Mexican Revolution came to her village, Luz and her family were forced to flee and start a new life. In Mexico City, Luz became a model for painters, sculptors, and photographers such as Diego Rivera, Jean Charlot, and Tina Modotti. These artists were interested in showing the true face of Mexico and not a European version. Through her work, Luz found a way to preserve her people's culture by sharing her native language, stories, and traditions. Soon, scholars came to learn from her.
This moving, beautifully illustrated biography tells the remarkable story of how model and teacher Luz Jiménez became "the soul of Mexico"--a living link between the indigenous Nahua and the rest of the world. Through her deep pride in her roots and her unshakeable spirit, the world came to recognize the beauty and strength of her people.
Please consider supporting your local independent booksellers by purchasing Child of the Flower-Song People. Find a store here: https://www.indiebound.org/
Other mentions in this episode:
Ransom Center at the University of Texas
Teaching Guide for Child of the Flower-Song People
Questions/Activities for further engagement based on the discussion:
1. Ask older generations for their stories AND record them, write them down!
2. If you’re interested, consider researching your ancestry
3. Have a picture book book club and discuss conquest of indigenous people, colorism, discrimination, and reparations, etc.
4. Write a poem about who you are (refer to the teaching guide):
Who do you see when you look at me?
Do you see . . .
Find Gloria:
Website: www.gloriaamescua.com
Twitter: @gloriaamescua
Instagram/Facebook: @gloriaamescuawriter
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